MS in Computer Information Systems

Offered on the Charles River Campus, online, and in a convenient blended format, the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems program is designed for students who wish to combine technical competence in information systems with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
• Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
• Competence sufficient to identify current and emerging information technologies that may have strategic value for enterprise; assess where those technologies have value; and manage the implementation of those technologies in the enterprise.
• Moderate skill in programming for application systems in an application programming language such as Java or Python.

The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated the Metropolitan College Department of Computer Science as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research.

The MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC); the concentration in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Admissions Information

For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background. The following prerequisite course may be required:

• MET CS 200 Introduction to Computer Information Systems

Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete the core curriculum courses and have the option to complete one or more concentration(s) or no concentration. Students who want to earn one or more concentration(s) must satisfy the stated requirements of each concentration they wish to pursue. Students who choose not to pursue a concentration will take MET CS 546 Introduction to Probability and Statistics and four general electives to complete their degree.

The minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is C (2.0), but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and to be eligible to graduate.

A total of 10 courses (40 units) is required, as follows:

Core Curriculum (five required courses/20 units)

• MET CS 520 Information Structures with Java
  or MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python
• MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
• MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
• MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
• MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management

Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program or have relevant work-related experience may request permission from the Department of Computer Science to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate-level computer information systems electives. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.

Required Courses (one course/4 units)

In addition to the core curriculum and general electives, students who are not pursuing a concentration must also take the following course:

• MET CS 546 Introduction to Probability and Statistics

General Electives (four courses/16 units)

Students who are not choosing to complete a concentration must select four general electives (16 units) from the list below, with at least three at the 600 level or above. When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course. Please note that not all electives are available in the online or blended program format.

• MET CS 526 Data Structures and Algorithms
• MET CS 532 Computer Graphics
• MET CS 544 Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization
• MET CS 555 Foundations of Machine Learning
• MET CS 561 Financial Analytics
• MET CS 570 Biomedical Sciences and Health IT
• MET CS 580 Health Informatics
• MET CS 581 Health Information Systems
• MET CS 582 Entrepreneurship in Health IT and Biotech
• MET CS 599 Biometrics
• MET CS 601 Web Application Development
• MET CS 602 Server-Side Web Development
• MET CS 622 Advanced Programming Techniques
• MET CS 632 IT Project Management
• MET CS 633 Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management
• MET CS 634 Agile Software Development
• MET CS 635 Network Media Technologies
• MET CS 664 Artificial Intelligence
• MET CS 665 Software Design and Patterns
• MET CS 674 Database Security
• MET CS 677 Data Science with Python
• MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development with Android
• MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
• MET CS 685 Network Design and Management
• MET CS 688 Web Mining and Graph Analytics
• MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
• MET CS 690 Network Security
• MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
• MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
• MET CS 695 Cybersecurity
• MET CS 699 Data Mining
• MET CS 701 Rich Internet Application Development
• MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
• MET CS 775 Advanced Networking
• MET CS 777 Big Data Analytics
• MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
• MET CS 781 Advanced Health Informatics
• MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
• MET CS 789 Cryptography
• MET CS 793 Special Topics in Computer Science
• MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography

The following courses with “AD” or “CJ” require consent of the Computer Science department advisor:

• MET AD 610 Enterprise Risk Management
• MET AD 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting
• MET AD 643 Project Communications and Leadership
• MET AD 646 Portfolio and Program Management
• MET AD 648 Ecommerce
• MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services
• MET CJ 632 White-Collar Crime

Master’s Thesis Option in Computer Information Systems (8 units)

Students majoring in computer information systems may elect a thesis option, to be completed within 12 months. This option is available to MS in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least seven courses toward their degree and have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and a principal reader within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal reader may be part-time faculty with a PhD (unless waived by department).

• MET CS 810/811 Master’s Thesis

Concentrations

Declaration of More Than One Concentration

Students in the MS in Computer Information Systems program have the option to concentrate in more than one area for their MS program. Each concentration must be finished before the student officially graduates from their program. No additional concentrations may be added after graduation. In the case of some courses overlapping between one or more concentrations, only one course may count toward both concentrations. If more than one course overlaps, the student must take an elective in its place so that each concentration is completed. Not all concentrations are available in the blended format.

Students may choose from the following concentrations:

Computer Networks (online and on campus)

The Concentration in Computer Networks provides students with a broad foundation in information technology (IT) and an in-depth understanding of computer data communication and modern networking. The five MS in Computer Information Systems core courses include a comprehensive introductory networking course that covers digital communications, local area, wide area, wireless, and other network technologies. The core also includes courses in databases, math for IT, strategic IT, software development, and systems analysis and design. The computer networks concentration provides a comprehensive examination of network design and implementation, network performance analysis and management, network security, and the latest networking technology. The program is designed to empower students with extensive hands-on experience, enabling them to analyze, design, procure, manage, and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of data communication networks and protocols. Identify issues involved in multiaccess media and devices as applied to wired and wireless networks. Identify key areas for performance analysis and debugging of networks, along with techniques for network management in small- to large-scale networks.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data communication protocols and networks, including such areas as: flow control, distributed synchronization, error detection and correction, and routing techniques, and where to implement them.
• Demonstrate competence sufficient to design, specify, and develop data transfer protocols for specific purposes. Design, specify, plan, and define networks of any size. Analyze, evaluate, and select networking devices applicable to the network area that they are being implemented in, whether LAN, MAN, WAN, or wireless.

Data Analytics (online and on campus)

The Concentration in Data Analytics will provide professionals with the skills required to compete for data analysis jobs amid rising global demand. The concentration will explore the intricacies of data analytics and expose students to various topics related to data processing, analysis, and visualization. Along with probability theory and statistical analysis methods and tools, students will learn how to generate relevant visual presentations of data and will examine concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining. In addition to the broad background in the theory and practice of information technology gained from the Computer Information Systems core courses, individuals who complete this program will have a solid knowledge of data analytics practices accompanied by exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery.

Learning Outcomes

• Familiarity with applied probability and statistics, and their relevance in day-to-day data analysis.
• The ability to explore the various data visualization techniques and their applications using real-world data sets.
• An understanding of web analytics and metrics; how to procure and process unstructured text; and hidden patterns.
• Skills in facilitating knowledge discovery using data-mining techniques over vast amounts of data.

Database Management & Business Intelligence (online, on campus, and blended)

The Concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence equips students with the tools necessary to utilize the vast amounts of information provided by large amounts of data. By focusing on the integration of information technology with business problems and opportunities, this concentration enables information systems professionals to understand technological issues in addition to business concepts and fundamentals.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge of database modeling and design, database implementation, distributed databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, databases for web applications and big data databases as well as typical data-mining methods.
• Proficiency in the design, implementation, performance tuning of different types of databases, and performing data-mining tasks on various types of data.
• Competence sufficient to participate in the design and implementation of large, distributed database systems and business intelligence systems.
• Proficiency in identifying and appropriately responding to professional, ethical, and legal issues in data management.

Health Informatics (online, on campus, and blended)

The Concentration in Health Informatics exposes students to modern health information technology, including health data collection, processing, and storage. The primary focus of this program is on electronic medical data generated and stored in healthcare and public health organizations. Individuals graduating from this program will have a solid knowledge of health information technology and systems and electronic health records, and command of the latest medical technologies.

The MS in Computer Information Systems with a Health Informatics concentration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Completion of a CAHIIM-accredited program is required in order to be eligible to sit for AHIMA professional HIM Certification Exams.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
• Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
• An understanding of the American healthcare system, medical terminology, basic human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, diagnostic modalities, and treatments associated with common disease processes.
• Advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, and best-practice deployment of healthcare IT, including medical algorithms, electronic health records, privacy and security, and regulations.
• An understanding of fundamental characteristics of data, information, and knowledge in the healthcare domain and proficiency in managing, processing, and analyzing healthcare data.
• Competence sufficient to lead health IT initiatives, to conduct biomedical research, and to design, implement, and manage advanced solutions.
• A thorough understanding of the importance of ethical behavior in the profession.
• Effective communication skills.

IT Project Management (online, on campus, and blended)

The Concentration in IT Project Management is particularly valuable for those engaged in the administration of technical projects. Students are introduced to general concepts embodied in the Project Management Institute’s PMBOK®, while exploring specialized techniques for software risk management, software cost estimation, and software quality management. Students also learn virtual project management, enabling them to manage geographically distributed software development.

The MS in Computer Information Systems with an IT Project Management concentration is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). Students taking any course in this concentration are eligible to take a PMP® preparation course for free—an important step toward certification as Project Management Professionals.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge of the following project management process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing; knowledge of agile software development practices, and planning and governance of large projects and programs.
• Proficiency in all basic project management tools and software techniques, including software architecture, project communications, risk analysis, cost estimation and budgeting, and quality control; proficiency in planning and developing a comprehensive project plan and software development life cycle.
• Competence to architect, design, and implement software systems.

Security (online, on campus, and blended)

The Concentration in Security provides in-depth knowledge of emerging security threats and solutions to prepare technical leaders to identify, develop, and implement highly secure systems and networks that support organizational goals.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge of information security concepts, governance, biometric systems, and database systems security, as well as network security and cryptography.
• Proficiency in risk management, such as asset assessments, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
• Competence in security policies, processes, technology, and operations.

Web Application Development (online and on campus)

The Concentration in Web Application Development introduces the fundamental concepts of web applications, providing comprehensive coverage of both client-side and server-side development. The latest topics in JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, jQuery, AngularJS, PHP, and Node.js are widely covered. Students also learn, and work with, cutting-edge technologies for building desktop and mobile web applications. Students create real-world web application projects that also involve interacting with databases such as Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases like MongoDB.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced knowledge of web application development languages.
• Proficiency in one or two server-side web language/platform-specific technologies like Java and .NET, and client-side languages like JavaScript.
• Competence sufficient to apply acquired knowledge in migrating to new and emerging standards and technologies.

Second Master’s Degree Option

In appreciation of the converging needs of management and technology, the departments of Actuarial Science, Administrative Sciences, and Computer Science collaborate to offer a unique opportunity to students currently enrolled in their degree programs as well as alumni of those programs. Learn more.